2006 Legislature: It Begins.

Hawaii's 2006 Legislative Session opened today with much fanfare and a myriad of hopes and dreams, plans and schemes for the $574 million state budget surplus. (Did you know the legislators host "open houses" in their offices where they offer free food to all on opening day?!).

Below is some local coverage of what to expect this session. And if you're interested in tracking film-related legislation, keep checking back on this blog. The session is fast and furious: hearings come and go, bills rise and fall, dreams are fulfilled and dashed--all in a New York minute.

Honolulu Advertiser:
>> Extra $574M beckons to lawmakers [1/15/06]
>> Facts on Legislature [1/15/06]
>> The House [1/15/06]
>> The Senate [1/15/06]
>> Major issues for new term appear clear [1/18/06]

Honolulu Star-Bulletin:
>> Legislative season critical [1/15/06]
>> Who's who in the 23rd Legislature [1/15/06]
>> Pressure's on to get more [1/18/06]

RELATED POSTS:
>> Brush Up Your Legislature!
>> So That's How Bills Get Passed!
>> R.I.P. 2005 Film Bills
>> Schoolhouse Rock Redux
>> Legislative Alphabet Soup